Chris Lepkowski on the future of Lukaku; Jeremy Peace; and the different style of play adopted by Steve Clarke

Our Man At The Baggies answers YOUR questions

Earlier this week Chris Lepkowski held his regular webchat with Birmingham Mail readers. Here is a selection of the best questions.

Scott asked:
“Chris, Any news on Craig Dawson as he has not been part of the matchday squad for a few weeks. It must be tough seeing Caulker getting called up to the full England squad when he has been out shining him for the U21's. Any thoughts about getting him out on loan? It seems even Tamas is ahead of him now.”

Chris Lepkowski:
Scott, Craig has been injured for about 2-3 weeks (was reported in Friday's Birmingham Mail). Suffered a nasty eye injury during training, which has needed complete rest as a precaution

Jase the Baggie asked:
“Do you think Steve Clarke could get headhunted?”

Chris Lepkowski:
Jase the Baggie, I see no reason to think that for now. Still early days in his managerial career …
Twizzle asked:
“Will Lukaku stay all season?”

Chris Lepkowski:
Twizzle, Difficult to say re Lukaku. Chelsea have given no indication they intend to bring him back (recent RDM quotes were tenuous to say the least). He's happy here, Clarke is happy to keep him and the arrangement was a season-long loan. It's merely an option but nothing has arisen so far to suggest he will go back. Not really sure what purpose it would serve for Chelsea either unless they lose players to injury

Decka asked:
“Do you think that given our current situation in recent years that a lot of the criticism levelled at Jeremy Peace has actually been quite outrageous?”

Chris Lepkowski:
Decka, it depends on the criticism. I can understand why, for instance, shareholders have an axe to grind given the carve-up of shares. But it's hard to argue with how the club has evolved during the recent years. A lot of people mention the fact that Albion haven't done a 'Portsmouth' as a main compliment to Peace - I think that does Peace a disservice as any good chairman should protect the club he presides over. His legacy is currently the infrastructure he has helped put in place and the position Albion finds itself in, not to mention the setting up of the Sporting and Technical Director's role which drew a lot of scepticism at the time
Wbarog asked:
“Hi Chris, How's it going finding Dan's replacement ?

Chris Lepkowski:
Wbarog, still in the process of finding someone. Despite what was said by Dan last month I still wouldn't necessarily rule out the job being split between two people. But, currently, there is no update other than usual ongoing discussions with candidates,

Chris asked:
“Hi Chris, Generally top teams dominate matches (posession wise), i understand this doesn't necessarily win games. I would like to see Albion upping their possession rate in matches, any thoughts
Chris Lepkowski:
Chris, Interesting point re possession. Someone posted a link to a stat-based piece yesterday which alluded to Albion being 'less attractive' due to having less possession. Missed the point a little. Albion now play with a five man midfield with emphasis on moving the ball around with a lot more pace than under Roy's 442 when it was more pragmatic and ball movement was often sideways-back-forwards.

There is more emphasis on getting players running on to forward passes now. This, inevitably, invites potential loss of possession. The change of formation wasn't mentioned in the piece I mention at the top of message - but it's a valid point. Albion encouraged to be dynamic with the ball much more than under RH. That will lead to more moves potentially breaking down...but, on the flip side, providing more goalscoring chances
Big Tony asked:
“Can we realistically hang onto Yacob?”

Chris Lepkowski:
Big Tony, In reality probably not - over long term. But there is no reason why he they can't keep him for a season or two. Realistically every player has a price...
Jonjo asked:
“Would you like to see a former Baggie like BAtson or Regis get Dan Ashworth's job?”

Chris Lepkowski:
Jonjo, I cannot see Brendon wanting the job given how shambolic his last spell was at the club (through no fault of his own). Not sure whether he could work with certain people on that board either. Cyrille...doubt he'd want it or be suited for it, though I don't know. It involves a lot of travelling, spending time away, working long hours... needs a specific fit of person. I do know that Richard Sneekes was considered as an assistant to Dan's job when Andy Marriott got the gig.